Boy, those French–
They have a different word
for everything!
Steve Martin
Mature romance by the water is how I will remember Marseille. With its Mediterranean harbor of clear blue waters coyly inviting you for a dip, sunshine 300 days of the year, a spread of restaurants representing its multicultural population, Marseille has all the good stuff tempered by a rough-edged reputation. It’s a three hour train ride from Paris and an easy commute from the smaller cities of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles and Nîmes when you’re in the South of France.
Marseille is both gritty and pretty–full of graffiti and locals who warn tourists not to wander in certain areas after dark or even during the day. Despite this, I had a wonderful time traveling with easygoing photography lovers who had much enthusiasm for the town. Marseille reminds me of the less savory parts of ourselves we’d rather skirt over and the dark corners of our psyche that might prove to be less dangerous if we embraced them.
The freshest seafood right off the boat! At the fish market, this octopus stealthily tried to grab some lunch before he became someone else’s lunch.
Stay at the Intercontinental or chill on their terrace bar and restaurant with its view of Notre Dame de la Garde. Thanks to Anais, Gerard and Olivier for charming service!
InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu, 1 Place Daviel, +33-4-1342-4212
At the MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée), admire the engineering genius and patchwork shadows of its lace facade made of cement. Check out the sea view from their restaurant “Le Mole Passedat.”
7 Promenade Robert Laffont
Marseille, France
+33 4 84 35 13 13
Underneath this Cathedral (across the street from the MuCEM) is Les Voûtes Marseille: home to shops, restaurants, bars, etc…
Open air Tango in the square on Friday evenings by the ferry dock. I loved seeing elderly couples walking hand in hand, dancing tango in the open air, women much older than I am still wearing high heels and above the knee dresses on date night. C’est si bon!
Hop on or off a boat to swim, visit the calanques, the Frioul, and the prison of “The Count of Monte Cristo” (a movie you’ll want to re-watch!)
Go topless at this most adorable little cove near Le Petit Nice, a Relaix and Chateaux boutique hotel best known for the Marseillaise specialty dish, bouillabaisse.
For casual rooftop dining with sea and marina view among good looking locals:
Rowing Club, 34 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France
+33 4 91 90 07 78
Best couscous is at Le Kahena, beside the white church corner of the Vioux Port.
Le Kahena, 2 Rue de la République, 13001 Marseille, France
+33 4 91 90 61 93
Foster and Partners’ Ombriere reflecting steel pavilion at Vioux Port.
Had the most delicious meal at the casual garden of La Passarelle. Look up when you’re facing their kitchen to find this embroidered artwork.
La Passarelle, 52 Rue Plan Fourmiguier, 13007 Marseille +33 4 9133 0327
Limo to/from the airport and anywhere else:
Taxi Perez (Joseph’s phone 0613360991)
Click on “Leave a Comment” (above left) to add your South of France travel tips. Vive Le France!
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xoxox
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